Tara Mines is set to reopen on a phased basis from June with voluntary redundancies expected to be announced. 

SIPTU and Boliden had discussions into the early hours of this morning - with members of the union to now consider the proposals. 

SIPTU Divisional Organiser Adrian Kane said he hopes workers accept the agreements made following discussions with the Workplace Relations Commission. 

“We have secured a commitment for the reopening of the mines which will commence on a phased basis from June,” he said. 

“We have managed to maintain core terms and conditions of employment – but unfortunately there will be redundancies and they will be of a voluntary nature.” 

It is understood around 150 workers could be made redundant. 

“We will be meeting [Tara Mines workers] next week and putting those proposals to them, which we will be recommending for acceptance,” Mr Kane said. 

Closure of Tara Mines

In June 2023, Tara Mines announced it would suspend operations and 650 workers would be laid off temporarily after the low price of zinc and high energy costs meant the business had become “unprofitable”. 

Workers in Tara Mines reported their “shock” at the decision having been given no warning in advance. 

Tara Mines is Europe's largest zinc mine and the eighth largest in the world. 

More than 85 million tonnes of ore have been extracted there since mining began in 1977 

Stockholm-based Boliden Group acquired the mine back in 2004.